I have always been a competitive person, but one moment in my life changed what that competitiveness meant to me. A few years ago, someone close to me began struggling with severe bone pain that didn’t seem normal. At first, she and I brushed it off as something temporary. Probably from volleyball, but over time, it worsened and became much more serious. Watching her go through doctor visits, uncertainty, and constant discomfort was frustrating, not only for her but for me as well. I've been wanting to go into the medical field and just seeing how much pain they were in and how long it took to get answers made me annoyed as well. I remember feeling helpless, sitting in waiting rooms with her and realizing how complicated and slow the healthcare system can be, especially when the condition is rare or not well understood. That experience stayed with me. It made me realize that behind every diagnosis is a person whose life is being affected in so many ways that most people don’t recognize. It also made me ask a bigger question: Why are some conditions still so difficult to treat, and why aren’t there better, more accessible solutions? Since then, my competitiveness has shifted. Instead of just wanting to succeed for myself, I want to push myself to solve problems that actually matter. This is what led me to pursue a future in healthcare, specifically in orthopedic surgery. I am especially interested in researching rare bone conditions and finding ways to improve treatments like bone marrow transplants so they are not as difficult, expensive, or inaccessible for patients. I want to be part of a future where people don’t have to wait in uncertainty or struggle just to receive care. My goal is to contribute to research that accelerates treatment development, improves effectiveness, and makes treatments more widely available, especially to those who might not have the financial means to access specialized care. No one should feel helpless when it comes to their health. As a low-income student, I understand what it feels like to face barriers that others may not have to think about. I have had to stay focused and determined, even when resources were limited. That has built my resilience and made me more driven to succeed. For myself and for the people like my best friend. I don’t just want to be a doctor who treats patients. I want to be someone who contributes to lasting change in medicine. Someone who helps create solutions that improve lives on a larger scale. Whether that is through research, innovation, or patient care, my goal is to make sure fewer people have to go through the kind of uncertainty and pain that inspired me to pursue this path. My competitiveness pushes me to keep going, even when things are difficult. But more importantly, it pushes me to aim higher. And to not settle for existing solutions when better ones can be created. Through my career, I hope to turn that drive into meaningful impact and help build a world where healthcare is not just advanced, but also accessible and compassionate.

Despite living in one of the most educated and compassionate periods in history, there are still millions of people who struggle with mental illness because they are ashamed of it. I am one of those people. My own journey with mental health, specifically borderline personality disorder, has shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world in profound ways. I have ultimately chosen to go towards a future in orthopedic surgery, where I hope to care for someone's entire being and not just their physical condition. Living with borderline personality disorder has deeply influenced how I experience emotions, relationships, and my self-identity. My emotions often feel so intense and overwhelming that daily situations are more challenging for me than for anybody else. For a long time, I believed this intensity was me just overreacting and being just a woman, and that I should just stop. So I tried to hide it. But once I got diagnosed, it felt like even more something to hide. I suppressed my feelings, afraid of being judged or misunderstood. The more I bottled my emotions up, the more I would spiral and go into manic episodes. Which deepened my sense of isolation. I learned how easily pain can go unnoticed when it is invisible. I bottled up my diagnosis and never told any of my close friends about it. But I would later realize I shouldn't be scared of it. My diagnosis gave me a reason for why I do what I do, and what I once thought were personal failures were explained by it. Seeing my diagnosis through this lense allowed me to approach my mental health with understanding rather than shame. Through therapy, self-reflection, and education, I began to recognize that mental illness requires the same seriousness, patience, and long-term care as any physical condition. This realization reshaped how I view healthcare as a whole. My experiences with mental health have significantly shaped how I approach relationships. I have learned the importance of communication, accountability, and empathy. These skills being essential not only in personal relationships, but also in medicine. Navigating intense emotions has forced me to develop emotional awareness and resilience. Which helps me understand how vulnerable it can feel to place trust in someone else. As a future physician, I want to be the person patients feel safe opening up to, especially when they feel unheard or overwhelmed. These lessons are central to why I am drawn to orthopedic surgery. While orthopedics is often viewed as a physically focused specialty, many patients face emotional and psychological challenges alongside their injuries or chronic conditions. It is so mentally straining for a patient to go through multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. This usually takes years for a patient to fully recover. Not to mention a lot of patients with rare bone disorders, disabilities, or long-term orthopedic conditions often experience frustration, loss of independence, and emotional distress that mirrors the invisibility I have felt in my own mental health journey. I want to practice orthopedic surgery in a way that acknowledges both the physical and emotional impact of musculoskeletal conditions. My understanding of mental health has also made me deeply aware of stigma. Both in society and within healthcare systems. Too often, patients are rushed, reduced to diagnoses, or expected to “push through” pain without acknowledgment of their own emotional experience. This is especially true for individuals with rare conditions or disabilities. I aspire to be an orthopedic surgeon who challenges this approach by creating an inclusive, patient-centered environment where individuals feel heard and respected. Beyond direct patient care, my experiences have shaped my long-term goals in medicine. I hope to advocate for integrated care models that recognize the connection between physical recovery and mental well-being. Orthopedic injuries and surgeries often require long rehabilitation periods, during which mental health support is critical to recovery. By promoting collaboration between orthopedic care, physical therapy, and mental health resources, I aim to improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life. Living with BPD has taught me resilience, humility, and the importance of continual self-improvement. I understand that healing is rarely linear, whether physical or emotional. This perspective has strengthened my commitment to lifelong learning and compassionate care, values that will guide me throughout my medical training and career. In honoring the mission of the Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship, I carry forward the belief that bringing darkness into the light allows it to fade. By openly acknowledging my mental health journey and using it to inform my pursuit of orthopedic surgery, I hope to help reduce stigma within healthcare and beyond. Through empathy, advocacy, and patient-centered medicine, I aspire to be a physician who not only repairs bones but also restores dignity, trust, and hope.

Sabrina Carpenter has been a huge influence in my life; I have loved her from day one! Watching her play Maya Hart on Girl Meets World allowed me to connect with someone who was smart, strong and relatable. Her character used her comedic side to disguise her vulnerabilities and showed that it is not only acceptable to be complicated and flawed but also to have room for growth. The way that Maya handled the obstacles she faced and the relationships she built helped me grow more resilient towards my own struggles and to have more self-awareness. In addition to acting, Sabrina's music creates a sense of emotional connection and empowerment within me through her lyrics, such as "Please, Please, Please" and "Espresso." Most of these songs are exceptionally catchy, but I am also moved by the genuine vulnerability of the messages in each song, which remind me to be true to myself and embrace all the parts of me that I may try to hide. Sabrina inspires me through her voice and talents as well as by positively using them to motivate others. She represents the belief that dream chasing should not come at the expense of being kind, honest, or authentic. The way she approaches challenges, relationships, and expressing herself impacts my perspective of those same areas. Listening to her music or thinking about her body of work gives me confidence and reminds me to keep working hard and to always be myself whenever I am feeling doubtful or defeated. I am a fan of Sabrina Carpenter for more than just her talent. I appreciate her as an individual who is courageous and inspiring to her fans to celebrate their uniqueness. Sabrina has shown me that creativity and self-expression can be used as tools to grow personally and connect with others. Her influence on the way I view my life, the way I deal with challenges, and the importance I place on pursuing dreams while remaining genuine has forever altered my perspective of life. I will be forever grateful for how much Sabrina Carpenter has entertained and inspired me to embrace both my current self and the person I wish to become.

For my challenge, I decided to do a fun game about testing the couples through drama. The name of the challenge is Heartstrings Tug-of-Love. The Objective: To test the emotional bonds, communication, and trust between couples while adding drama and excitement to the villa. For the Setup: The challenge would take place on a giant inflatable platform in the villa’s pool. There would be two parallel lanes on the platform. Each lane would have a “heart ring” suspended on a post. And each couple would receive a long rope, with a large heart-shaped flag attached to the center of the rope. And the couple would start at the opposite end of the lane from their heart ring. For the Rules: 1. Each couple must work together to move their heart flag from their starting point to the heart ring at the other end. The rope must remain tight at all times. 2. If the flag touches the water or the rope slackens too much, the couple must return to the start. 3. Only physical coordination between the couple is allowed. 4. No outside interference. 5. The first couple to successfully place their heart flag in the ring wins the challenge. For the Twist/Drama Element: Midway through the challenge, a “Couple Switch” twist would be introduced. Where the islanders must briefly swap partners with another couple for a brief 30 seconds. And then they would attempt to move the rope with a new partner, testing communication, chemistry, and adaptability. After the 30 seconds, they would return to their original partner to finish the challenge. As for the excitement Factor: It would be the physical humor and awkwardness. Especially with the slippery inflatable platform and the pool beneath, it would ensure plenty of comedic falls, splashes, and dramatic tension. Emotional stakes: The twist tests trust and adaptability in romantic relationships, giving both the islanders and viewers insight into the strength of each connection. For Viewer engagement, Fans will be talking about how certain couples handle the partner swap. Like, will they remain calm, or will jealousy and miscommunication erupt? For the reward: The couple that wins would receive a private romantic date in the villa with extra luxury perks such as champagne, a spa setup, or even a sunset dinner to heighten viewer envy and villa competition. Why I think it fits Love Island: The challenge combines physical challenge, humor, and romance, which are all signature elements of the show. And I think that it would encourage interaction between couples, creating potential for new drama and alliances. It would also test not just physical skill, but emotional intelligence, trust, and adaptability for couples. Which are key ingredients in the villa’s social dynamics.

I learned early in life that silence can be just as powerful as words. Not because it is chosen, but because it is forced. For my parents, immigrants from Poland, language barriers often turned simple conversations into overwhelming obstacles. Watching them struggle to be understood shaped my understanding of resilience, access, and the true value of education. And it helped me become more caring because I became the translator for my parents, since I could speak fluent Polish and English. Education has always represented more than academic achievement to me. In my opinion, it represents opportunity, stability, and the ability to create meaningful change. From navigating school systems to communicating in professional and medical settings, my parents often struggled to be understood. These challenges deeply influenced my perspective growing up. I became aware and more professional at a young age because I had to take up the responsibility to advocate for my parents. From then, I believe that language is something many people take for granted. And it can determine the quality of care and opportunities someone receives. Watching my parents persevere despite their language obstacles instilled in me a strong work ethic, resilience, and a desire to help others who face similar barriers. Faith has been a central pillar in my life and my family’s journey. I was raised in the Catholic Church and baptized at a young age, and since then, my involvement has continued throughout my life. I actively participate in a youth group and regularly volunteer at church events, especially during holidays. Through these activities, I have learned the importance of service, compassion, and community engagement. The church has taught me that helping others is not optional; it was an honor and a privilege to be able to help. My involvement in the church has strengthened my character and reinforced my commitment to serving others, especially those who may feel overlooked or underserved. Although I am not the child of a pastor, my faith has guided my values just as strongly, shaping my desire to pursue a career centered on service and healing. I aspire to become an orthopedic surgeon, beginning my academic journey by majoring in kinesiology. I am deeply interested in the human body, movement, and recovery. But what I am truly passionate about is making healthcare more accessible and compassionate. I want to work toward a healthcare system where patients are treated with dignity, regardless of their financial situation or language proficiency. All because growing up, I saw how intimidating the healthcare system could be for my own parents, who didn't speak fluent English or understand complex medical terminology. When I was a little kid had to step up for them and be the advocate. My goal is to help bridge that gap. As a future physician, I hope to advocate for patients who feel unheard, take the time to ensure they fully understand their diagnoses and treatment options, and provide care that considers the whole person and their life. not just the condition. Because I want my patients to feel supported, respected, and safe, especially those who face the same language and financial barriers my parents once did. Receiving this scholarship would significantly impact my ability to pursue higher education without placing additional financial strain on my family. As a first-generation student from an immigrant household, the cost of tuition, textbooks, and other educational expenses presents a real challenge. Especially because I want to go into the medical field. This scholarship would not only ease the burden from my parents but also affirm that students like me, driven by purpose, faith, and service, belong in higher education. I am ambitious because I have seen what sacrifice looks like. I am driven because I understand what is at stake. And I am committed to making an impact by using my education to serve others with compassion and integrity. And I want to thank my parents for everything they've done for me, by introducing me to my faith and how to be a kind, compassionate person. Through my future career in medicine, I hope to honor my parents’ journey, my faith, and the opportunities this country has given me by giving back to those who need it most.

My desire to pursue a degree in healthcare began long before I understood what the field truly involved. When I was young, I was always getting into reckless accidents because I wanted to break a bone. All because I wanted to go to the hospital and be treated and talk to the amazing healthcare workers. And since then, my love for medicine has grown, and I continue to pursue it every day. My recklessness has taught me throughout the ages that healthcare is not just about treating illnesses and problems, but it's about being there for people at their most vulnerable. That realization sparked my interest even more than I already was, and it has grown into my biggest passion that continues to guide me today. My interest deepened in high school when I began volunteering at local clinics and shadowing at Intermountain Health Hospital in Brighton, Colorado. I witnessed firsthand how demanding yet meaningful this field is. There were long shifts, from 2 to 9, where tough decisions and emotional conversations were made, but there was also joy, relief, and gratitude. One moment that truly touched my heart was when I was shadowing a nurse who had to patiently calm a frightened child who needed a major surgery on his heart because it wasn't working. The nurse didn’t just provide medical care; she provided reassurance, empathy, and truly such care that every healthcare worker should aspire to work towards. That interaction showed me the power of healthcare professionals not only as caregivers but as sources of hope. As a woman pursuing a career in healthcare, I hope to contribute in ways that go beyond clinical skills. Women make up a large portion of the healthcare workforce, yet many leadership positions are still underrepresented by women. I want to be part of changing that. My goal is to combine medical knowledge with strong communication, compassion, and advocacy to make a meaningful impact on my patients and the field as a whole by being one of the best Orthopedic Surgeons in the field. I hope to serve as a role model to younger girls who doubt whether they belong in science or medicine. Because representation matters, and I want to show that women can lead, innovate, and transform healthcare systems. I want to be that woman that girls want to be, just like Callie Torres from Grey's Anatomy was to me. I also hope to make a positive impact by focusing on equity. Throughout my volunteer experiences, I have seen how many families face barriers to receiving care, such as language obstacles, financial limitations, or lack of access to reliable information. Which truly hurt me because there was nothing I could do at the time. But I want to change that. Before I get my medical degree, I plan on starting a donation foundation to help advocate and provide money and care for the patients who can't. After I get my medical degree, I plan to continue helping the less fortunate, whether through community outreach, patient education, or working in underserved areas. Ultimately, I chose healthcare because it allows me to combine my strengths with my dream. I am motivated by science, driven by hard work, and inspired by the belief that every patient deserves dignity and quality care. This field would allow me to uplift others, support families in crisis, and contribute to a healthier and more equitable future. As a woman in healthcare, I hope to lead, break barriers, and help create a system where every patient feels seen, heard, and valued.

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